The bill amends the law regarding postmortem examinations in cases of death due to apparent drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity. Specifically, it modifies the requirement for county coroners to submit a decedent to the State Crime Laboratory for a postmortem examination. The previous provision that allowed for an exception if "a significant interval passed while" the person was hospitalized has been deleted.

In its place, the bill introduces a new definition of "hospitalized," clarifying that it refers to a person being admitted to a hospital for inpatient treatment. This change aims to ensure that postmortem examinations are conducted consistently in relevant cases, while also providing a clearer understanding of what constitutes hospitalization in this context.

Statutes affected:
HB 1568: 12-12-318(a)